Description: Ujamaa was a political project to unify Tanzanians in the emerging post-colonial era. Ujamaa can be translated as 'familyhood' or fraternity and sought to re-establish communitarian values from the pre-colonial era, helping Tanzania to avoid the tribalistic conflicts of other post-colonial African nations. The project saw a large focus on the collectivisation of agriculture, where the majority of the population were forced into villages, and the resulting crop yields were insufficient. Despite certain failures, Ujamaa resulted in a number of successes such as improved education and literacy rates, reduced infant mortality, and the aforementioned ethnic unity.

Underlying philosophy: Ubuntu - harmony and solidarity within and across communities. 'I am because we are'.

Values: Community, Solidarity, Compassion, Respect, Dignity.

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Description: The Rights of Nature describes a series of rights / ethical values enshrined in the constitutions of Ecuador and Bolivia (in 2008 and 2009, respectively), as well as in Bolivian law (Ley de Derechos de la Madre Tierra: Law of the Rights of Mother Earth) in 2011.

These constitutional reforms are intended to shape the way the government approaches development, and provide a legal framework for the protection of Nature. In the Bolivian case, the 2011 law sets out seven specific rights for 'Mother Earth' and her constituents, including the rights to Life, clean air and water, and restoration. These rights have clear implications on the usual extractivist development model in Latin America, and are beginning to be used to defend the natural environment from such projects, holding Nature above materialist economic development.

Underlying philosophy: Buen Vivir, Vivir Bien. These Spanish translations of the Kichwa 'Sumak Kawsay' and the Aymara 'Suma Qamaña', mean literally 'living well', but intend to encompass the idea of wellbeing within the context of a flourishing Natural community, and the right of all things to a full life. This Andean indigenous philosophy is gaining traction in Latin America to provide a new ethical frmaework from which to consider discussions around development, and how humans interact with Nature.

Values: Harmony with and between all things, Community, and Rights of all Nature to a plentiful life.

Description: Gross National Happiness (GNH) is a development philosophy introduced by Bhutan in the 1970s under the leadership of King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. It aims to measure the country's progress based on the well-being and happiness of its citizens rather than purely economic growth. GNH represents a holistic approach to development that goes beyond traditional economic measures, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), by prioritising the well-being, happiness, and spiritual health of the Bhutanese people.

GNH is measured using nine domains, which together provide a comprehensive view of the country's progress and the well-being of its citizens: Psychological well-being, Health, Education, Time use, Cultural diversity and resilience, Good governance, and Community vitality.

Underlying philosophy: Buddhist economics (inspired directly by Buddhism). GNH emphasizes holistic development, considering social, economic, environmental, and spiritual dimensions. It seeks to balance material and non-material well-being.

Values: Holistic development, Sustainable and equitable development, Preservation of culture, Environmental conservation, Good governance.

Description: Navdanya is a movement and NGO based in India working towards food sovereignty, regenerative agriculture, maintaining biodiversity in agriculture, and protecting India's rich food heritage. Their Community Seed Bank initiative was born out of the need to protect the diversity in agriculture and cultivated crops after the Green Revolution in India - which saw the adoption of various market-oriented practices, like embracing the use of toxic agrochemicals to increase yield and focusing on the monoculture of mostly paddy and wheat. The Green Revolution thus destroyed the natural diversity of the genetic base of Indian crops. Navdanya, by establishing seed banks and identifying seed keepers or producers in various agro-climatic zones in India, aims to conserve traditional seed varieties and support communities to cultivate these local varieties. Navdanya's role has also been to train farmers, raise awareness, and facilitate a network of knowledge-sharing in different parts of the country.

There are currently 150 community seed banks in 22 states of India. The seed banks are managed by farmers themselves, and women are at the forefront of the organisation and facilitation processes. Groups of farmers collect, multiply, and exchange the traditional seeds in a very local setting, with initial help from Navdanya.

Underlying philosophy: Navdanya and its Community seed bank initiative are based on old Indian philosophies of Swaraj, or self-governance, and Gandhian ideals of self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Their efforts are to counter the commodification and privatisation of natural resources and Indigenous ways of life by corporate giants and international organisations like the World Bank. They seek to operate on democratic ideals, ecological responsibility and economic justice.

Values: Non- violence, Compassion, Preserving heritage, Freedom, Cooperation and community.

Description: Just Change is an NGO working towards empowering Adivasi communities in the Nilgiri region to strengthen and protect their local economies. Their initiative 'The Third Share' is based on the idea of sharing resources with their own communities, with people outside their communities, and with Nature itself. The concept of Third Share arose from the traditional practice of the Kattunayakan tribes who gather honey from the forests, leave a portion for nature (especially bears), retain another share for their families, and distribute the rest. Just Change's main aim is to reconfigure power relations between producers, consumers, and investors, and move away from existing hierarchies which result from the current capitalistic market economy.

Underlying philosophy: Just Change's theory of change is based on the ideals that we need to move beyond old-school developmental interventions like income generation and increase, and fair trade policies. They seek to ensure that incomes flow back into the local economy as much as possible and do not just serve the 'market'. They work towards an alternative trading system wherein the investors, producers, and consumers work in mutually beneficial ways, and where the supply chain is short. Moreover, they embrace a model of participatory capital wherein the surplus generated through economic activities is to be divided amongst all the parties (investor, producer, and consumer) who have contributed to its generation.

Values: Sharing, Collective ownership, Nature as an equal partner or stakeholder, Participation

Description: The 'Mab Ueang Natural Agriculture Centre' in Ban Bueng District, Chonburi Province, was founded by Mr. Wiwat Salyakamthorn, widely known as Ajarn Yak, who is a key figure in implementing the "Sufficiency Economy Philosophy" of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. This lifelong learning centre seeks to promote 'Natural Agriculture principles' by cultivating its own theories and practices, and demonstrates the successful application of the King's science in soil, water, and forest management, revitalising ecosystems to support balanced agricultural, industrial, and service sectors.

The centre has fostered a community that embodies the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy and has created a new model of Thai education for the future by integrating the 'Home, Temple, School', or 'BOWORN', approach. This method nurtures individuals of all ages with virtues and knowledge under the 'Pudalay Mahavijalaya' initiative. This program focuses on practical learning, self-reliance, and collaboration within communities and society without charging tuition fees. At the bachelor's degree level, the program collaborates with the Arsom Silp Institute of the Art to offer short courses and a Bachelor of Arts in Social Entrepreneurship.

Underlying philosophy: Sufficiency Economy (inspired by Buddhist Economics). A Thai development approach attributed to King Bhumibol Adulyadej. The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy was elaborated upon in the king's speeches to students at Kasetsart University in 1974 and Khon Kaen University. To the latter he said, "Development of the country must proceed in stages. First of all, there must be a foundation with the majority of the people having enough to live on by using methods and equipment which are economical but technically correct as well. When such a secure foundation is adequately ready and operational, then it can be gradually expanded and developed to raise prosperity and the economic standard to a higher level by stages."

Values: Sufficiency, Empathy, Sharing, Benevolence, Cooperation, Solidarity.

Description: Islamic Finance seeks to align the modern financial and banking system with Islamic values, gaining significant traction in the late 20th Century, though existing in various times throughout history. Islamic Finance introduces a number of financial regulations to usual financial activities in order to make them Sharia-compliant. For example, the earning of interest is prohibited directly in Islamic scripture, and investing in products such as tobacco, alcohol, and pork is also prohibited as these products are haram. Islamic finance also seeks to encourage partnership in business ventures, to share profits and losses.

Underlying philosophy: Islamic Economics (directly influenced by Islam), which combines economic activity with moral values.

Values: Brotherhood, Justice, Non-violence.

Description: Santi Asoke is a religious and social movement that began in the 1970s under the leadership of Phra Bodhiraksa (formerly known as Samana Bodhirak), a former television entertainer and monk who sought to reform Thai Buddhism by returning to its original teachings and practices. The movement is known for its emphasis on simplicity, self-sufficiency, and ethical living, reflecting many of the core ideas associated with Buddhist economics.

The members of the Santi Asoke community run its internal economy and community without money. They go to work without receiving a salary, instead their housing, education, healthcare, and food costs are taken care of by the community fund. The community trades with outsiders to raise money for the community fund, through services such as restaurants, providing medicine, and selling food.

Underlying philosophy: Buddhist Economics (inspired directly by Buddhism).

Values: Simplicity, Self-sufficiency, Mindful consumption, Ethical living, Communal living, Well-being and happiness.

Description: The Jungto Society in Korea practices principles consistent with Buddhist economics. Founded by Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, a prominent Korean Buddhist monk, the Jungto Society applies Buddhist teachings to promote sustainable living, social justice, and community well-being. Members live in a community where they practice simple living, share space for accommodation, and focus on spiritual practices.

The Jungto Society runs four NGOs, including the Peace Foundation, which researches and advocates for peace and unification in the Korean Peninsula; the Joint Together Society, a international relief organisation to eradicate famine, disease and illiteracy; Ecobuddha, which deals with environmental issues; and Good Friends, which promotes reconciliation and cooperation between North and South Koreans. The projects are run by hundreds of Jungto Society members on a voluntary basis. The membership consists of residents and non-residents.

Underlying philosophy: Buddhist Economics (directly inspired by Buddhism). The Jungto Society’s approach to Buddhist economics involves integrating ethical, spiritual, and practical aspects of Buddhism into economic and social practices. These include a Non-harmful livelihood, Holistic well-being, and Interdependence.

Values: Simplicity, Community, Environmental stewardship, Education and awareness, Personal and spiritual development.